Given the nature of the original tweets, one would have to question the motives of those posting the same. Akin to online "Chinese whispers," if something is repeated often enough, people begin to believe its validity.

Fortunately, Abidal remains in good health and completed a full 90 minutes for Monaco on Wednesday night in their 6-0 thumping of Lens.

The 34-year-old remains the consummate professional and an example to any youngster aspiring to a career in the game.

Abidal's dedication to looking after himself in a physical sense has no doubt helped him during his two previous fights against the debilitating disease.

And his popularity in the dressing room led to Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves offering to donate part of his liver to Abidal back in 2012.

But perhaps the most iconic moment of his career was when he was afforded the opportunity to lift the Champions League trophy at Wembley in 2011, when Carles Puyol handed him the armband as a tribute to his first successful fight against the disease:

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Xavi Hernandez noted at the time just what it is about the Frenchman that endears him to all, via the Daily Mail:

He has shown he is an example to all humanity.

For everything he represents - his values, his competitiveness, his recovery, his involvement, and overcoming [the illness] and wanting to be back. You wouldn't have thought he had even had an operation.

[...] He's an example for so many people. He transmitted such calm. We were more anxious than he was. His return is great news.

The news that recent rumours of a setback are just that will be met with widespread relief from everyone connected with the game.

Abidal remains committed and ready to lead his Monaco side for the remainder of this season, and don't rule out an appearance for France at the World Cup.